Rev.

01/08
THE MARIPORT GROUP LTD.
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS IN PORT DEVELOPMENT
Rankin Inlet Marine Resupply Terminal
1

As part of a master planning exercise for the proposed terminal, evaluated access to the facility in Melvin
Bay relative to the tanker market and navigational constraints. This included evaluation of a fixed dock,
spread moorings, and a single anchorage buoy.
Proposed Fuel Dock New Providence Island
2

As part of the design effort for the dock, determined the size of vessel that should be planned for and the
necessary draft and approach/departure characteristics. Vessel size was determined relative to demand,
tanker fleet size and age characteristics, market and location. Product mix together with inbound and
outbound requirements was determined from a power generation forecast carried out by Mariport.
Ports Master Planning Turks & Caicos Islands
1, 2

Current ports are exceptionally shallow draft, and a key component of the study was to determine the
minimum depth of water that would be required to enable freight cost savings to be realized. An
examination of freight lines that might provide service was undertaken to assess, relative to present and
future fleets as well as port rotations, what draft would be needed. A conceptual design for a shallow draft
inter-island transshipment vessel was also undertaken to enable maximum freight cost savings to be
achieved at minimum initial and maintenance dredging cost. Background forecasts were undertaken on
demographics, tourism and the economy to determine future demand for dry goods and oil. Mariport later
worked with the Government of Turks & Caicos Islands to implement a Design, Build, Operate, Transfer
concept to enable a key port in the island group to be redeveloped to meet cargo transfer needs. A more
recent project involved an economic evaluation of alternative dredging scenarios to provide deeper water
access to one island.
Container Trans-shipment Terminal Freeport, Grand Bahama
Analyzed the Atlantic Basin and RTW container trades and cost structures to determine whether there
was an opportunity to develop a major new trans-shipment terminal. Prioritized the operators, trades, and
their probable rationale and price sensitivity to use of such a terminal for client negotiations. Provided
traffic estimates in terms of probability of achieving certain throughput levels, type of ships and shore
based equipment that would be needed.
Reconstruction and Expansion of Dock Abaco
1, 2

The main supply dock in Abaco was built in the 1960s and had become highly congested and was
inappropriate for current and future use. Assisted in the design and layout of a new dock to maximize
economic return to the community. Following completion of the dock, carried out a two day seminar on
port operations and security issues.
Beauport Flats Development Study
2

Undertook a comprehensive analysis of cargo handling requirements and costs to determine the most
appropriate materials handling system and investment outline to improve the Beauport Flats trans-
shipment terminal. The study included a detailed financial analysis and drew heavily on a parallel market
study that looked at commodities and expected current and future ship sizes.
Port Development - Castries, St. Lucia
As part of an overall study into the development of a new container terminal, reviewed the growth of
cruise shipping to determine likely congestion and manoeuvring requirements within the harbour.
Advised S.L.A.S.P.A. on the need to upgrade the Pointe Seraphine cruise berths. Reviewed existing
container operations and recommended changes to better utilize space, improve container tracking and
increase storage capabilities.

1
Included economic impact analysis.
2
Included financial analysis.
Rev 01.08
St. Joseph River Action Plan St. Joseph, Michigan
On behalf of the Southwestern Michigan Commission, reviewed the future viability of the port and
identified new business that could be developed. The analysis included a comprehensive analysis of the
port market, physical facilities, environmental issues (including dredging) and the interaction of
commercial and pleasure boat traffic. The study included a survey of some 500 businesses within a 50-
mile radius of the port that could have an interest in using port facilities.
South Ontario Port Corporation
Undertook a conceptual review of port amalgamation for five port activities in southern Ontario. Looked
at strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Economic Evaluation of Port Sites
1

For Tropical Shipping, evaluated several port sites in Great Exuma. The evaluation helped identify the
port site that was best able to overcome the deficiencies of the current location in Georgetown.
The Basques Port Authority Port aux Basques, Newfoundland & Labrador
1, 2
Prepared a strategic development plan to bring additional business into the community, and identify areas
of new investment for enhanced economic benefit. Determined that the Port Authority could facilitate
additional benefit of about $1m pa through a range of small scale initiatives. Under follow on contracts,
developed a complete cruise package with signature imagery, also wrote a Security Plan and obtained
approval for it from Transport Canada.

THE MARIPORT GROUP LTD.
EXPERTISE IN PORT DEVELOPMENT

Mariport brings a practical knowledge of shipping, transportation, and port operations to the problems
of cost effective port development. The intent of all study work is to produce a development plan that
achieves the best possible service characteristics at the least investment cost and highest economic
return.
We can evaluate the position of a port relative to current and future traffic to determine infrastructure
needs. Such evaluation takes into account shipping servicing the port, and the location of the port
relative to trade routes to determine what future business may be attracted. Land support services in
terms of highway and rail access may also be important to determine preferred traffic routings, and are
considered.
Shipping technology changes not quickly but given the normal life expectancy of port structures
and channels, attention to size of ships, cargo handling needs and service requirements, both new and in
the future are important. Thus a base line survey of existing docks, structures, equipment, management
and operations is an essential starting point in order to determine how well the port currently meets its
mandate.
Just as important as changes in technology are changes in shipping service characteristics brought on
by rationalization in the liner trades, customer needs in cruise shipping, or fundamental commodity
supply and demand changes in the tanker and dry bulk trades. Such impacts are reviewed relative to
current and future port needs.
Development costs of a port are not always bricks and mortar, or dredging and navigation. Often,
management and operational adjustments are necessary. These range from new appointments to
detailed evaluation of costs and tariffs, reorganization and upgrading of equipment maintenance, or
new operating and accounting systems. Security has always been a major issue at ports, but this must
now meet specific standards of infrastructure and operation under the ISPS.